Medical devices

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http://currents.net/newstoday/99/10/30/news1.html

Y2K Warning Over Medical Devices By Adam Creed, Newsbytes. October 30, 1999

Although New Zealand's Ministry of Health states that Y2K problems should not affect kidney dialysis machines and other common domestic medical devices, it is warning that people who rely on them at home should plan carefully for the New Year period.

The warning covers home medical devices like kidney dialysis machines, oxygen machines and ventilators. People are being advised to consider altering treatment dates during the Y2K roll-over when disruption is a possibility and to notify their health service, and a local hospital, if they are considering going on vacation.

The ministry's Y2K project leader Steve Brazier said that manufacturers, hospitals and providers of domestic medical equipment have tested them and should have notified people using them of any potential Y2K issues by now.

"If people have any concerns, they should check with their provider or medical advisor to clarify the situation," said Brazier.

"People who need medical devices take priority in the unlikely event of a electricity cut and would be be given access to hospital services if necessary," he added. "So they should inform hospitals in their holiday areas of their location."

-- Deb (vmcclell@columbus.rr.com), October 31, 1999

Answers

But you can self-trepanate with any old hand drill.....

-- zoobie the nutbag (zoobiezoob@yahoo.com), October 31, 1999.

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